The West Oxfordshire District Council Executive met on Wednesday 10 June 2026, approving a new grant scheme hosted by Crowdfunder UK and endorsing business plans for Publica and Ubico. The meeting also reviewed the council's financial performance for the 2025/26 year, noting a better-than-budgeted outturn and approving transfers to reserves.

Crowdfunder UK Grant Scheme Approved

The Executive approved the proposed application and assessment processes, criteria, eligibility, and monitoring for a new grants scheme to be hosted by Crowdfunder UK. This marks a move away from the previous platform, Spacehive, with the aim of making more funds available to community groups. The scheme will have an annual budget of £120,000, with projects able to apply for up to 50% of their total cost or a maximum of £12,000. Authority for award decisions was delegated to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Members for Stronger Healthier Communities and Arts, Culture and Sport.

Publica and Ubico Business Plans Endorsed

The Publica Business Plan for 2026-2028 was endorsed, focusing on preparing its services and people for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) while continuing to deliver council priorities. The plan spans two years, aligning with the LGR deadline of March 2028. The Ubico Business Plan for 2026-27 was also noted, initiating a five-year strategy focused on leveraging scale, operational efficiency, and preparing for LGR and the upcoming 'Simpler Recycling' regulations. Key objectives for Ubico include mobilising services for Wiltshire Council and accelerating decarbonisation efforts.

Strong Financial Performance for 2025/26 Noted

The council reported a better-than-budgeted financial outturn for the 2025/26 year, with a final surplus of £203,155 contributing to general fund reserves. This improved position was attributed to strong income performance in areas like trade waste and development management, higher-than-expected treasury investment returns generating an additional £800,000, and cost efficiencies including lower one-off costs from the Publica Review and refunds from partners. The Executive noted the financial performance and approved recommendations for carrying forward capital budgets, transferring funds to earmarked reserves, and approving budget virements related to Publica Phase 2.

Discretionary Rate Relief Policy Amendments Approved

Amendments to the Discretionary Rate Relief Policy were approved, incorporating new reliefs for pubs, live music venues, and small businesses, following recent government announcements. The policy also includes provisions for electric vehicle charging points and forecourts, with delegated authority granted to the Director of Finance to make future amendments in this area. The council also highlighted its efforts to communicate changes to businesses, including updates to webpages and information on annual bills.

Updated Procurement and Contract Management Strategy Approved

An updated draft Procurement and Contract Management Strategy was approved. This strategy aims to ensure value for money, high-quality services, and broader social, economic, and environmental outcomes. It responds to significant changes including the Procurement Act 2023 and upcoming Local Government Reorganisation, ensuring the council remains compliant, resilient, and commercially effective.

Appointments to Outside Bodies Noted

The Executive noted the appointments to outside bodies for the 2026/27 civic year, as detailed in Annex A of the report. These appointments represent the council on various strategic bodies and organisations pertinent to the district.

Quarterly Service Review Q4 2025/26 Presented

The Q4 2025/26 service performance report was presented, indicating overall strong performance across most services, meeting or exceeding targets. Key areas of success included council tax collection, customer satisfaction, planning determination times, and affordable housing delivery. However, areas of ongoing pressure were identified, including processing times for housing benefit and council tax support, and recycling rates which were below target for the quarter, though still strong compared to national performance. The report also highlighted progress on corporate priorities such as the implementation of the Community Infrastructure Levy and regeneration programmes like Salt Cross Garden Village.

Public Participation

Councillor Sharon Parnasse from Woodstock Town Council addressed the Executive regarding concerns about misleading publicity materials and an unauthorised banner related to the Woodstock open-air pool. She questioned whether the cabinet member would acknowledge the misleading imagery, commit to a public apology or correction, order the removal of the banner, and disclose specific legally binding capital investment from section 106 funds for pool facility upgrades. The Executive stated a written response would be provided.